Don't write off Eagles: Cox

Don t write off Eagles: Cox - The West Australian

Dean Cox has warned West Coast can do some damage in the finals if they sneak into September.

The 12th-placed Eagles are expected to welcome back Mark LeCras (calf) for Saturday night's clash with Melbourne at Patersons Stadium, knowing they must beat the embattled Demons to stay in the hunt for a finals berth.

And they are likely to be bolstered by further reinforcements for their final home-and-away match against Gold Coast the following weekend, with midfielders Scott Selwood (ankle) and Elliot Yeo (hand) both impressing on the training track yesterday in their late bid to return from injury.

West Coast must win both matches and hope Adelaide, currently in eighth spot, lose at least one of their final two games, against either North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena on Saturday or St Kilda at home in round 23 to pinch the last available spot, provided Essendon (seventh) win one more match as expected.

The Eagles have pushed flag contenders Sydney, Fremantle and Port Adelaide this season.

Asked if the team could have an impact in finals, Cox said: "Yes. I certainly think finals you just have to play your best footy.

"At times we've shown it's been good enough.

"Even against the sides in the top four, we've had parts of games where we've really taken it up to them and exposed them at times.

"When you get to a finals campaign, there's no easybeats or sides that don't deserve to be there."

LeCras ran at full pace during yesterday's session at Patersons Stadium after missing the past fortnight. He was able to pick up the ball from his feet at pace and without obvious discomfort.

Club officials are confident he will be fit to face Melbourne.

Selwood and Yeo both trained strongly with the main group and loom as likely selections against the Suns at Metricon Stadium.

Cox, who is playing his final home match against Melbourne, said he wanted to run out alongside 2012 club champion Selwood at least one more time.

"It'd be great to have him out there for the footy team, but also personally as well," Cox said.

"I've played a bit of footy with Scoot and hold him in such high regard, like all the Selwoods."

Cox's future is not set in stone, with the club games-record holder yet to sign on as West Coast's ruck coach for next year.

He said the potential to finish his distinguished career in a finals series meant he was not dwelling on the thought of making his last appearance in Perth before family and friends.

The 33-year-old is expected to play at least one more game if the Eagles qualify for September.

"There's still the possibility of finals, which is probably taking my mind off playing my last game here a little bit more than it would if we were well and truly out of the finals race," he said.

"That's probably my major focus."

"When you get to a finals campaign, there's no easybeats or sides that don't deserve to be there."" *Dean Cox *